From 17th until 19th July 2026, the Festival of Thetford & Punjab will once again bring together the rich heritage of Thetford and Punjab in a vibrant weekend of arts, history, food and live performance.
Inspired by the legacy of Maharajah Duleep Singh and his family, who lived at nearby Elveden Hall, the annual festival has become one of the highlights of the town’s cultural calendar.
The celebrations begin well before the main festival weekend with a programme of free community workshops designed to bring people together through creativity. Textile artist Suman Gujral will lead Stitch Your Story sessions at Ancient House Museum on 25th June, 2nd and 9th July, welcoming adults of all abilities to explore textile art in relaxed, friendly workshops. Meanwhile, Tina Vallance from Jaya Dance will host energetic Bollywood dance sessions at the Charles Burrell Centre on 27th June, 11th and 18th July, giving participants the chance to learn colourful routines before the festival begins.
Saturday’s programme celebrates the remarkable historical connections between East Anglia and Punjab. At Thetford Library, Nigel Amies will explore the Anglo-Sikh Wars, followed by Mark Taylor examining the story of the Bengal Horse Artillery in India. Polly Putnam from Historic Royal Palaces will then discuss the extraordinary life of Princess Sophia Duleep Singh and the women who shaped her remarkable family history.
Later that evening, acclaimed author and Duleep Singh biographer Peter Bance presents The Last Royals of Lahore at Elveden Village Hall, sharing newly discovered archive material and first-hand accounts of the Maharajah’s children. Food also plays a starring role, with the ever-popular Thomas Paine Curry Night offering guests an authentic Punjabi dining experience hosted by Gez and Rosy Chetal.
Families can enjoy plenty throughout the weekend at Ancient House Museum. Visitors can explore new exhibitions dedicated to the Duleep Singh family, meet costumed characters, handle historical artefacts and discover displays including the Prince Frederick Duleep Singh Centenary Exhibition and Re-Framing Histories. On Sunday, teams can also put their skills to the test in the popular Escape the Empire Puzzle Day, combining orienteering, museum exploration and escape-room style challenges.
The festival culminates with the colourful Thetford Mela on Sunday afternoon at Thetford Grammar School. Hosted by Sunrise Radio presenters Raj Ghai and Paul Shah and opened by Town Crier Mike Wabe, this year’s spectacular line-up features Punjabi megastar Nirmal Sidhu, Bhangra legend Kulwant Bhamrah, Shin DCS, Nav Sidhu, Jugnu Bhangra Group and the Kent Saheli Group. Alongside live music and dance performances, visitors can enjoy Desi arts workshops, turban tying demonstrations, henna, food stalls, motorcycle displays and family entertainment throughout the afternoon.
Art La’Olam will also be running creative workshops in the lead-up to the festival, helping people of all ages discover music, dance and textile art inspired by Punjabi culture.
The festival is free to attend, with individual talks and activities taking place across venues including Ancient House Museum, Thetford Library, Elveden Village Hall, the Charles Burrell Centre and Thetford Grammar School. For the full programme, booking information and ticketed events, click here.
